Hands-on with React Native for macOS

React Native revolutionizes application development by allowing web developers to create native apps for platforms like Android, iOS, and now macOS, using JavaScript and their existing React skills. Traditionally, building native applications required learning platform-specific languages and tools, but React Native simplifies this by converting JavaScript code into deployable native apps and providing a set of core components to ease the transition. With the preview release of React Native for macOS by Microsoft, developers can now extend their apps to a desktop environment, utilizing familiar tools such as Xcode for development and deployment. The process involves using CLI tools like Expo or the React Native CLI to initialize projects and extensions for specific platforms. A practical example is showcased through building a calculator app, which highlights the use of React Native's components and the minimal learning curve required for developers familiar with React. Moreover, tools like LogRocket can enhance the development process by monitoring and identifying issues within React Native apps, ultimately improving user interaction and app performance.